16 Ways to Use Your Time During COVID-19 Isolation

Some very challenging times are upon us. The biggest challenge may be staying motivated, positive and productive while self-isolating at home. Here's a list of ideas that may help fill in your daily schedule. 

Start writing a memoir or journal - Whether you write about your life or your daily achievements and struggles, writing helps sort through the emotions and thoughts to make sense of how to make them useful in your life. 

Relax and enjoy some downtime - ​Now's the time to take advantage of the extra time on your hands to do the things you never have time for.  Whether it's exercise, taking a nap, a relaxing bath or reading a book. 

Take a FREE online class - Keep your mind engaged. For instance, the Museum of Modern Art in New York is offering free online classes, open to the public. There are so many free classes out there, search a little and you're sure to find one to suit  your interests.

Do some gardening - Digging in the dirt always makes me feel happy that I've accomplished something I've been putting off. I ask myself, "Why don't I just begin?" Sometimes beginning a project is the hardest part, though the rest of it takes on a life of its own.

Spring cleaning around the house - Spring cleaning can be overwhelming, so if you need some help getting started, this book "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondo does just what it says...life changing magic.

Daily Meditation - Whether it's 15 minutes or 45, taking time for regular meditation will increase  

10 minute Morning Yoga - When a long yoga class is hard to get through, a 10 minute class every day works wonders. This is a great YouTube class...10 Minute Morning Yoga for 30 Days.

Read a good book - Do you have a pile of books you'd like to read, but you never seem to have the time? Now's your opportunity! Dive in!

Learn to cook new preparations - Being isolated for so long has been a motivator for me to get creative with cooking. Look up new recipes, try different things, have fun with it.

Start a vegetable garden - A raised bed garden is a good way to get started on a vegetable or flower garden. Root Pouch's are an easy way to create your raised bed garden, quickly and inexpensive. They are available in various sizes online or at Home Depot.

Go for a walk or bicycle ride - Exercise is so important for physical and mental health. Schedule in a daily 1/2 to 1 hour of your favorite exercise and see what a difference it makes.

Work on a hobby or start a new one - Knitting, sewing, woodworking whatever your interest may be, get creative!

Call friends and relatives - Check in with friends and relatives to see how they're doing. Receiving a call from someone can make all the difference 

Volunteer to make face masks - Gainesville Covid Masks can use volunteers to help make face masks, click here to sign up. You can also order free masks on the same site.

​Paint a room - It's a lot of fun finding the colors you love and exploring new options. Here's a handy link to make it easier.

​Organize your photos - With extra time on your hands, whether your photos are digital or hard copy, now's the time to dive in and organize them.

Of course, whatever you decide to do with your time, the most important things to remember are:

• Wear a face mask when you're away from home.
• Wash hands often.
  
• Stay Home, Stay Safe!
  

We look forward to seeing you when the quarantine is over!